The sky was somber this morning – there was such a seriousness about it; very obstinate for some unknown reason. I soon saw why – a cherry-red sun rose…Surya flashing all his might around. Early morning Tuesday – meaning I had to be up the hill by 8:30. As much as I hate the rushing, these kids have it down. Props to the folks on the freeway – they all moved to the right side, earning a well-deserved high-five from me (I really congratulate people on proper blinker use and driving in the right lane. I’m not kidding about starting a Face Book page called “Drive Right”). The morning started off with a bit of news that my ears (sadly) perked up for: Angelina had filed for divorce from Brad. Yep, I’m Team Jen – a marriage built on an affair doesn’t work.
Off to school, where I quickly saw one student then was off to Pollock Pines to co-facilitate the parenting group. The former AOD facilitator for my work place had told us she referred 12 women from the treatment facility she now worked for, but it was more like 20 – people, mostly women poured into the meeting hall. After the group, I raced back to school on heard a bit of NPR: A show on desired guests for a dinner party. What polar opposites….I had just come from a place where many of the women were fighting for their lives (I know because I was one of them once) and trying to break the chains – and here is this man talking about Voltaire, his partner Émilie du Châtelet, Nora Ephron and various other noted persona and serving cassoulet because it is comfort food yet will always invoke a culinary argument over the makings of the sausage. There could not have been more contradicting differences in these two things.
The day – the LONG day – came to an end when I headed to Maggie’s volleyball game in Pollock Pines, bringing with it something uncomfortable. It is interesting how the shades of light from the sun and a very specific temperature of the air can retrieve a pang in my subconscious. Something which floats just under the surface – too far to be recalled, yet close enough to remind me that I have done some not-so-great things in my life. We all have, I know…I’m not debasing myself any more so than usual. I just like to keep myself in check. Once again, that punch-to-the-gut and an uncontrollable whimper when I saw all the girls in the black Team Sabrina tee-shirts they had decorated yesterday. I sat alone by the wall, isolating intentionally despite seeing the co-mother of my faux daughter in the bleachers. I saw the opposing team had a Wolverine mascot and I mourned a little that our team didn’t have a red hawk mascot – even more so because as a red hawk mascot, I could dance my ass off, earn parent volunteer hours to my heart’s content and quite possible be invited to Broadway. Yes – I’m the same one that isolates intentionally (But I’ve got some wicked dance moves).
One the car drive down to Starbucks (Maggie’s request – I only do it when I’m about to die), I promised Maggie and her friend that I would change their lives by introducing them to some Christopher Cross and then did so (“Sailing” brings back such memories of Miss Ann’s Dance Studio, where we warmed up to this song for a solid year). After, we waited for Ethan at his FFA meeting (YES – the boy attends so he can earn points to get a good grade – and he does this on his own) and headed to the local restaurant for a fundraiser for the Preszler/Tindall family.
THERE WERE CARS LINING THE STREET – people were pouring out of the restaurant, waiting everywhere to get in. It was so refreshing to see. This school has come together so strongly to support this family and more will be done. This is one of our own. The wait was too long, so many of us went to a pizza restaurant owned by the same person which was offering the fundraiser as well. The kids and I sat by some kids I had taught long ago. I was able to embarrass Maggie just enough to keep her in check, while entertaining her friends (I taught them the importance of internet safety, explaining that an inappropriate picture in high school will follow them the rest of their lives). Life is about balance – live hard, laugh hard, and find your tribe, for they will be there to support you in times of need.
Pictures: The 2016 Lady Hawks volleyball team; Supporting at Pizza Factory. Community is everything.
tribeoftrio.com 